Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
In the realm of the residually sweet, we rapidly ascend in youthful expressiveness and generosity. The 2004 Mussbacher Eselshaut Riesling Kabinett displays a beautifully pure aroma of melon and purple plum. In the mouth, that amazing balance of brightness and subtle creaminess of 2004 is brought off to an uncanny degree. You couldn’t ask for more succulence of orchard and citrus fruits in the mouth at this level of ripeness, nor for more clarity, and accents of almond, brown spices, and wood smoke add more than enough complexity. Enjoy this compelling, infectious Riesling anytime – and, if possible, often! – over the next dozen years.
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
This sunny and relatively dry region served for many years as a German tourist mecca and was associated with low cost, cheerful wines. But since the 1980s, it has gained a reputation as one of Germany’s more innovative regions, which has led to increased international demand.